Study Skills 101

Introduction Most students think that attending class, taking some notes, reading the text and teacher handouts, and studying right before the test are sufficient strategies for academic success. This may work for the temporary memorization of easy material. However, it won’t for the long-term learning of more difficult and complex material.

Introduction Learning, unlike memorization, involves a complex set of skills that can only improve with practice. We can easily understand and make the connection between a sport and practice. In order to be a good basketball player, you need to practice shooting, dribbling, rebounding, passing, etc. over and over again. However, we often have trouble perceiving and accepting the connection between study skills and practice. Many people wrongly assume that successful learning just comes naturally; practice doesn’t apply.

Barriers to Academic Success Some of the biggest barriers for teenagers are: Lack of time management skills Love of procrastination Too many distractions Lack of interest in learning Reluctance/refusal to work hard Fear of being labeled a nerd, geek, etc. Refusal to make goals and think about the future Lack of seriousness when it comes to learning Satisfaction with mediocrity 

What are Study Skills? Study skills are techniques used in order to achieve greater success in learning. They’re used in a number of ways: To process and organize new information To help retain information To see the connection between concepts To use previously learned material in order to help learn new material In order to be successful at learning, you need to be active! REAL LEARNING IS NOT A PASSIVE ACTIVITY!

Areas to Develop Reading comprehension Note taking Test taking Understand, don’t just memorize Study groups Studying science

Reading Comprehension SQ3R method Survey, question, read, recite, review Take notes while you’re reading Write down questions when reading Reading speed and effectiveness Know when to slow down or when to speed up A lot of time can be wasted due to ineffective reading techniques

Note Taking Before class, read the material that will be covered that day Read over your notes from the previous class While taking notes, be actively engaged (ask questions, volunteer answers) Listen to your teacher rather than scribbling down the notes and missing what could be important info Underline or highlight important info Read over the notes within 24 hours or you’ll be relearning – ineffective! While reading over notes, read them out loud and highlight important points When possible, don’t sit near distracting students!

Tips for Test Taking Before the Test: 1. Study four consecutive days before the test. Cramming often does not work! 2. Form a study group. Answering questions with others will help store the information in long-term memory. 3. Take a 5-minute break after 30 minutes of studying. 4. Avoid talking to others about the test on the day of the test. It can cause confusion and anxiety. 5. Overstudy! Study until you’re confident you know the material. During the Test: 1. Read all directions twice 2. Ignore what other students are doing or how far they are on their test. 3. Before you begin answering questions, write down all mnemonics that you have memorized. 4. Never leave a blank answer. 5. First answer the questions of which you are confident. Avoid changing too many answers; often your first choice is the correct one. 6. If you don’t know an answer, skip it and come back to it later. Make sure you circle the number. 7. Recheck your answers. 8. Stay positive. Say to yourself, “I know this material. I will do well.” After the test: 1. Review your test and look at the problems you missed. It’s important that you know why they were wrong. 2. Note what kinds of questions were on the test. Where were your weaknesses? How could you have studied differently? 3. Each teacher generally uses the same format on his/her exams; this should help you study for your remaining tests. 4. If you did poorly on the test, don’t allow yourself to become negative. Stay positive and get help from family, teachers, tutors, or friends.

Understand, Don’t Just Memorize! When you understand the material, rather than just memorize it, you’re more likely to remember. Students who study for understanding: Read and think critically about the material Importance? Recognize the complexity of the content How can this be helpful? Can see relationships between chapters and concepts Benefits?

Study Groups Unless the study group works effectively and efficiently, it will be frustrating and a major waste of time. Benefits: Learning from others It’s active Seeing the info from another perspective Supplements your own personal studying

Study Group Tips Ideal number: 3–6 More than six = party  = no studying  Members should be able to meet on regular basis One member should be the “chairperson” and lead/guide the sessions Members should be assigned particular parts, study those parts, and then teach those parts at the meeting An agenda should be made and followed Meeting area should be free of distractions (no phones!) Length of meeting: one to two hours If everyone is serious and committed, it will work!

Studying Science The sciences present info in quite a different form compared to other content areas Equations, graphs, chemical formulas, cycles, etc. Because of this, studying for science requires different techniques Also, the sciences have their own language It’s been said that learning all the terms in a first-year bio course is like learning a foreign language This means that many students must devote even more time to learning the sciences.

Studying Science Personally, I have trouble with equations and formulas (chemistry/physics), but I love memorizing information and wrapping my mind around concepts. That’s why I love bio and physiology! If you love scientific thought (how, why, cause and effect, etc.), then stick with the sciences – you’ll eventually find one that interests you.

Conclusion All of you are capable of doing well! You wouldn’t be in this class if you weren’t. Many of you have never needed to study before, and have therefore not yet developed effective study skills and strategies. If your grades aren’t so great, I’m sure it’s due to your lack of study skills, not intelligence. Some questions for you: Are you willing to develop and practice effective study skills? Are you going to be an active learner? Or, are you going to passively sit back and be satisfied with mediocrity? 